". . . We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness . . . " - excerpt from the Declaration of Independence

In the past, I have not been a big fan of slogans. I just feel they're kind of cheesy, even the ones that are meant for serious purposes. I find it hard to believe that a group of World War II American service members about to discuss classified plans for D-Day in the local cafe stopped because they saw a "Loose Lips Sink Ships" poster.

California lawmakers are finally considering legislation to regulate medical marijuana, which has been legal under state law for nearly two decades. Among the proposals is a bill calling for an excise tax on marijuana that could raise nearly $60 million in revenue each year.

Last July, while campaigning for mayor I went door-to-door to share my vision for a stronger, bolder Turlock. As I listened to residents talk about concerns of unreliable drinking water during consecutive years of a drought, it was clear we needed an alternate source of water. Turlock couldn't continue to exclusively pump groundwater without limitation.